Absolut Cullen fanatic from Paris France. Best 15 ever ! We got a bad news here in France, we just lost one of the great french rugby player Christophe Dominici 48 years old who commited suicide. All french rugby is very sad. I am very very sad. Dominici was a special player, and a special man. In the semi final that France won against All Blacks back in the nineties, he faced Cullen who was playing 13 at the time. He scored one try, and almost had another one if ... Cullen would not have his legendary speed. I just wanted to pay a tribute to this unique player whom I knew personnaly and who told me one day that the best player he ever faced and truly admired on a rugby field was Christian Cullen. RIP Christophe Dominici @
So much skill. We have had a lot of talented backs since Cullens time, but nothing of his calibre....yet. A work colleague of mine played fullback for Taranaki back in the 90's. Taranaki played Manawatu. Cullen was still at school but played fullback for Manawatu. My collegue stated then that the world needed to remember the name Christian Cullen. Cully had run rings around the Taranaki team all day. They were gobsmacked by his skill at such a young age. Eru (my colleague could not stop talking about him. I remembered the name. The rugby world does to. I meet him at a signing in New Plymouth. Humble. So cool. Thank you Christian.
Was there in Dunedin. Cully scores 4. At halftime I went for a gentleman’s break and in came Pinetree Meads and Kevin Skinner. As they took relief they dissected the first half. Game to remember.
Was at his last game at the cake tin, he was subbed towards the end of the game and it was emotional, got a standing ovation and everyone on the pitch stopped and saluted one of the best ever Wellington / NZ servant! I’m not crying - you are 😂 ❤️
Greatest fullback of all time. To have all those try scoring records when he retired as a fullback is incredible and I doubt we'll ever see a player like him again.
Nothing wrong with that bro , just shows you're a honest unbias man , i spose it's like us having a hard time admitting you're the best League team in the world and have been for a very long time. For our populations Australasia punches well above it's weight in the world in so many sports.
Just belatedly read the book. Agree with others about Mitchell but what about Deans? Asshole had red and black blinkers on. Regardless of others judging him, I will forever hold Cully in the highest esteem for his talent and personality.
He wasn't dropped he told AB's fitness coach that he couldn't play due to injury. But Mitchell being the clown he was made out like he dropped him. Mitchell & Deans hated on Cully.
Professional rugby players are much bigger now. The game has changed so much. I don't think he'd stand up against the likes of Folau, Willie le Roux or Ben Smith. But he is still my favourite rugby player of all time. So much explosive pace, amazing step.
@@ay613 it's more than just workout routines. Besides, Cullen played during the early professional era so its unlikely the gym sessions have changed drastically. the contemporary top level players are genetically bigger. Just look at TJ Perenara. He's a half back and he's 6 foot. Jordie Barrett, full back, 6 foot 5. In the 80s/90s he could've been a lock. So could Folau at 6'4" and 100+kg. Christian Cullen is 5'11 and 85kg. He'd be swamped in today's game.
He deserved to have a few more tests under his belt , but thanks to that prick John Mitchell (the worst ever coach of the All Blacks) it didn't happen. Still love watching your highlights bro , best ever fullback the game has seen. If we ever get the technology of robotic limbs i'm chopping of my twigs and downloading Christian Cullens running/floating style lol!.
